The much loved Regent Theatre evokes a passion amongst the community, it's driven some of us to protest its recent development application and it's divided a town in some respects about the future plans for the grand old dame.
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One thing we can't be is narrow minded in the approach or shape the future of the theatre - the usual "it will never survive as a theatre" - who ever purchases the theatre needs to take a fresh approach with the theatre and map out a plan for maximising its usage without losing its charm.
If I had the money to buy the theatre, I would buy it in a heartbeat - the marketer side of my experience tells me that it can be used a multi-purpose venue - live bands, theatre shows, concerts, weddings and of course the movies. The maternal side of me tells me - create something to take my family to or encourage families to have a great time at the movies - grab the popcorn, the choc top & the biggest drink you can to wash it all down with, sit back and enjoy a movie.
I've been interviewed about Mudgee on the ABC 702 Night Program - one was about a Sydney-sider escaping to the country, I was positioned with Andrew Mercado who had done the escape and bought the old theatre at South West Rocks - immediately I wanted to be Andrew and run a theatre! I could see how after a bit of hard work and support, we could make the grand old dame sing again and be a centre to bring locals together and of course the tourists.
I also recorded a podcast for this very paper and we started talking about "what gets on my goat" and one was the need for a venue to bring acts to that could perform and I referenced the old theatre in Lambton in Newcastle, Lizotte's where music and good dining combine to be an epic night out!
The economic benefit to a town with an ability to bring good quality acts can't be under estimated - people will travel to see their favourite entertainment in a unique setting.
A good act appearing at a venue brings people from everywhere - we travelled four hours to get to Lizotte's in Newcastle to see our favourite band. The economic benefits to the rest of the town also plays a part.
Don't get me wrong it's not about being nostalgic and trying to recreate your childhood - it's about retaining the legacy of the theatre and the streetscape of Mudgee's appeal within a profitable business.
So whilst I can't put my money where my mouth is, I can put my opinion forward and hope that the successful bidder has a similar vision or dreams big for the grand old dame to be revived again.